Metered dose inhaler storage container

Abstract

A metered dose inhaler storage container comprising a packaging carton (1) having an opening (3) at an opposite end of the packaging carton (1), comprising an inlet opening at one end of the packaging carton (1) for receiving a mouthpiece (4) of a metered dose inhaler (5), and an associated outlet opening (3) at an opposite end of the packaging carton (1), the invention relates to a packaging carton (1) for engagement through the mouth of a user (6) to inhale the medicament expelled from a metered dose inhaler (5) through the packaging carton (1) forming a spacer of the metered dose inhaler (5). The metered dose inhaler (5) is supplied in the packaging carton (1) and stored within the packaging carton (1) when not in use. The packaging carton (1) forms a storage container and a spacer for metered dose inhalers (5).

Description

Technical Field

[0001] The present invention relates to a storage container for a metered dose inhaler, and in particular to a packaging carton for a metered dose inhaler. Background Art

[0002] Metered dose inhaler (MDI) is the most commonly used device for delivering aerosol to the airway. However, most patients, especially elderly and pediatric patients, do not use it correctly due to poor inhalation technique. In other words, the patient should inhale slowly (about 30L / min) (hand-breathing coordination) while starting the MDI. In addition, when using MDI, at least 50%-80% of the drug is deposited in the mouth and throat, and only a very small amount (10%-15%) of the drug reaches the airway. Therefore, placing a storage device (spacer) between the MDI and the patient's mouth provides more time for drug inhalation because it provides a larger volume and space for propellant evaporation. In other words, these additional spacers allow large particles discharged by the MDI to be deposited therein, rather than being deposited in the mouth and throat. In addition, the extra distance that the aerosol travels in the additional spacer increases the dose of fine particles less than 5 μm, which is the best particle size that can reach deeper smaller airways. Various types of spacers are available, and they can be very large, foldable and / or disposable. However, these spacer devices are relatively expensive and many are bulky and inconvenient for patients to carry around and use when using their metered dose inhaler.

[0003] The present invention aims to solve these problems. Summary of the invention

[0004] According to the present invention, a metered dose inhaler storage container is provided, which is capable of forming a spacer for a metered dose inhaler, the storage container having a pair of spaced-apart openings in a side wall of the storage container, the pair of spaced-apart openings including an inlet opening for receiving an outlet of the metered dose inhaler and an associated outlet opening for engagement by a user's mouth to inhale a medicament discharged from the metered dose inhaler and delivered through the storage container.

[0005] The sidewall of the storage container may be formed in any suitable manner, and will typically comprise a plurality of interconnected panels.The outlet opening is for engagement by the mouth of a user, with or without an attached mouthpiece.

[0006] In particularly preferred embodiments, the storage container comprises a carton or box for receiving and storing an associated metered dose inhaler prior to and between uses of the metered dose inhaler by a patient.

[0007] In one embodiment of the invention, a removable closure is provided at each opening.

[0008] In another embodiment, the removable closure is a flap mounted across the opening.

[0009] In another embodiment, the flap is a tear flap.

[0010] In another embodiment, the flap is mounted in the opening.

[0011] In another embodiment, the perimeter of the flap is connected to the perimeter of the opening by a perforated seam or a perforated or perforated line of weakness.

[0012] In another embodiment, the flap is hingedly mounted on one side of the opening for movement between a closed position extending across the opening and an open position away from the opening.

[0013] In another embodiment, the removable closure is a peel tab.

[0014] In another embodiment, the tab is a peel and reseal tab.The tab may be a panel flap or a folded panel or a label tab.

[0015] In another embodiment, the inlet opening is shaped to be used for receiving and engaging the mouthpiece of metered dose inhaler complementarily in the inlet opening.The inlet opening can be any suitable shape, because different MDIs will have mouthpieces of different shapes.It is desirable to have a tight cooperation between mouthpiece and the inlet opening.

[0016] In another embodiment, the preceding claim, wherein the storage container is impregnated with an antimicrobial agent.

[0017] In another embodiment, the antimicrobial agent comprises an antimicrobial metal ion.

[0018] In another embodiment, at least the inner surface of the storage container is coated with an antistatic material to minimize drug retention.

[0019] In another embodiment, the storage container has a coating of a plastic material or a water-based dispersion.

[0020] The present invention provides a metered dose inhaler storage container, which can form a spacer for a metered dose inhaler, the container having an access opening for inserting and removing the metered dose inhaler, a closure mounted at the access opening, the closure being operable to open and close the access opening, the storage container having a pair of spaced-apart openings in a side wall of the storage container, the pair of spaced-apart openings comprising an inlet opening and an associated outlet opening, the inlet opening being used to receive an outlet of the metered dose inhaler, the outlet opening being used to be engaged by a user's mouth to inhale a medicament discharged from the metered dose inhaler and delivered through the storage container.

[0021] In another aspect, the present invention provides a storage container in combination with an associated metered dose inhaler housed within the storage container.

[0022] In another embodiment, the inlet opening has a perimeter shaped to receive and engage an exterior of a mouthpiece of a metered dose inhaler.

[0023] In another embodiment, the outlet opening has a perimeter shaped to receive an additional patient mouthpiece.

[0024] In another aspect, the present invention provides a blank for forming a metered dose inhaler storage container.The blank can be any carton style or design.

[0025] In another embodiment, the blank includes a front panel, a back panel and side panels, which are arranged to be connected in a row side by side along the side edges, the front panel is connected to the first side panel at one side edge by a first fold line and to one side edge of the second side panel at the other side edge by a second fold line, the opposite side edge of the second side panel is connected to the first side edge of the back panel by a third fold line, a connector flap protrudes outward from the second side edge of the back panel by a fourth fold line, the tape on the face of the connector flap is used to engage with the first side panel, the top panel is hingedly connected to the top edge of the back panel and the bottom closure flap is connected to the bottom edge of the back panel, the bottom panel is connected to the bottom edge of the front panel and the top closure flap is connected to the top edge of the front panel.

[0026] In another embodiment, the panel is rectangular in shape. BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

[0027] The invention will be more clearly understood from the following description of some embodiments given by way of example only and with reference to the accompanying drawings, in which:

[0028] Figure 1 is a perspective view of a metered dose inhaler storage container according to the present invention, the storage container forming a packaging carton for the metered dose inhaler;

[0029] Figure 2 is a perspective view of a metered dose inhaler packaging carton according to the present invention;

[0030] Figure 3 is a perspective view showing the packaging carton in use;

[0031] Figure 4 is a perspective view of a metered dose inhaler package carton shown in another position of use;

[0032] Figure 5 is another perspective view showing the packaging carton in another use position;

[0033] Figure 6 is a perspective view showing a packaging carton used as a spacer;

[0034] Figure 7 is a perspective view showing a packaging carton used as a spacer for a metered dose inhaler;

[0035] Figure 8 is a perspective view showing a metered dose inhaler packaging carton used as a spacer;

[0036] Fig. 9 is a plan view of a blank for forming a metered dose inhaler package carton of the present invention.

[0037] Fig.10 is a perspective view of a carton package for a metered dose inhaler;

[0038] Fig.11 is a perspective view of another metered dose inhaler packaging carton according to a second embodiment of the present invention;

[0039] Fig.12 is a perspective view of a further metered dose inhaler package carton according to a third embodiment of the present invention;

[0040] Fig.13 is a perspective view of a metered dose inhaler packaging carton according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0041] Fig.14 is a perspective view of a metered dose inhaler packaging carton according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0042] Fig.15 is a perspective view of a metered dose inhaler packaging carton according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0043] Fig.16 is a perspective view of another metered dose inhaler package carton according to another embodiment of the present invention;

[0044] Fig.17 is a perspective view of a metered dose inhaler packaging carton according to another embodiment of the present invention; and

[0045] Fig.18 is a perspective view of a metered dose inhaler package carton according to a further embodiment of the present invention. DETAILED DESCRIPTION

[0046] Referring to the attached drawings, first refer to Figures 1 to 10 , shows a metered dose inhaler storage container according to the present invention formed into a packaging carton, generally indicated by reference numeral 1. The packaging carton 1 has openings 2, 3 at opposite ends of the packaging carton 1, including an inlet opening 2 at one end of the packaging carton 1, which is used to receive a mouthpiece 4 of a metered dose inhaler 5, and an associated outlet opening 3 at the opposite end of the packaging carton 1, which is used to engage with the mouth of a user 6 (see Figure 8 ) to inhale the medicine discharged from the metered dose inhaler 5 through the packaging box 1, which forms a spacer of the metered dose inhaler 5.

[0047] Packaging paper box 1 has a rectangular front panel 10 and a rectangular rear panel 11 interconnected by rectangular side panels 12,13 extending therebetween.Top panel 14 is connected to the upper end of rear panel 11 by hinge 15.Top locking flap 16 at the free end of top panel 14 can engage with the upper end of front panel 10, so that top panel 14 can be releasably fixed in closed position.Associated top side flaps 17,18 are hingedly connected to side panels 12,13 by folding lines 19 at the upper ends of side panels 12,13, and are folded inwardly below top panel 14, so that locking flap 16 is remained in closed position.Inlet opening 2 is arranged in top panel 14.Top panel 14 forms closure at opening 21 places of taking at the top of packaging paper box 1, for inserting and removing metered dose inhaler 5.

[0048] The top tamper-evident closure flap 20 is initially folded over the outside face of the top panel 14 and covers the outside face of the top panel, thereby closing the entrance opening 2. The closure flap 20 is connected to the top edge of the front panel 10 by a perforated hinge line 22 and has a free outer end 23 adhesively secured to the outside face of the top panel 14. This initially closes the entrance opening 2 of the packaging carton 1, but the closure flap 20 can be removed from the packaging carton 1 to expose the entrance opening 2 for use.

[0049] In a similar manner, at the bottom of the packaging carton 1, a bottom panel 24 is connected to the lower end of the front panel 10 by a hinge 25. The bottom locking flap 26 at the free end of the bottom panel 24 can be engaged with the lower end of the rear panel 11 to releasably fix the bottom panel 24 in a closed position. Associated bottom side flaps 27, 28 are hingedly connected to the side panels 12, 13 by folding lines 29 at the lower ends of the side panels 12, 13, and are folded inwardly above the bottom panel 24 to keep the bottom locking flap 26 in a closed position. The outlet opening 3 is arranged in the bottom panel 24. The bottom panel 24 can be, for example, glued closed at the flat end.

[0050] The bottom tamper-evident closure flap 30 is initially folded over the outside face of the bottom panel 24, thereby closing the outlet opening 3. The bottom closure flap 30 is connected to the bottom edge of the rear panel 11 by a perforated hinge line 32 and has a free outer end 33 adhesively secured to the outer face of the bottom panel 24. This initially closes the outlet opening 3 of the packaging carton 1, but the bottom closure flap 30 can be removed from the packaging carton 1 to expose the outlet opening 3 for use.

[0051] Figure 3 The top closure flap 20 and top panel 14 are shown in an open position to allow removal of a metered dose inhaler 5 stored within the packaging carton 1 . Figure 5 is similar to Figure 3 , showing the packet carton 1 with the top closure flap 20 (and the bottom closure flap 30) removed, thereby converting the packet carton 1 into a spacer for use with a metered dose inhaler 5.

[0052] The metered dose inhaler 5 has a housing 40 containing the drug. When an actuation button 42 on the housing 40 is pressed, a metered dose of the drug can be dispensed through a mouthpiece 4 at the outlet of the housing 40. Typically, the metered dose inhaler 5 contains multiple metered doses of the drug.

[0053] Figure 6 There is shown a packaging carton 1 converted into a partition, the interior of which forms a chamber having an inlet opening 2 and an outlet opening 3 in a top panel 14 and a bottom panel 24 at opposite ends of the chamber.

[0054] Figure 7 The mouthpiece 4 of a metered dose inhaler 5 is shown inserted into the inlet opening 2, where it fits tightly. Figure 8 As shown, the user 6 can then position his mouth at the outlet opening 3 at the opposite end of the packaging box 1 (now acting as a spacer) and deliver a metered dose of medicine from the metered dose inhaler 5 through the packaging box 1 and out through the outlet opening 3 and into the mouth of the user 6 by manually operating the actuation button 42.

[0055] Fig. 9 A blank 50 for forming a packaging paper box 1 is shown. A front panel 10, a rear panel 11 and side panels 12, 13 are arranged side by side in a row. The front panel 10 is connected to one side panel 12 by a fold line 51 on one side and is connected to one side of another side panel 13 by a fold line 52 on the other side. The opposite side of the side panel 13 is connected to one side of the rear panel 11 by a fold line 53. A connector flap 55 protrudes outward from the other side of the rear panel 11 and is connected thereto by a fold line 56. An adhesive tape 57 on the face of the connector flap 55 can engage with the inner side of the side flap 12 on the opposite side of the blank 50 to form the packaging paper box 1.

[0056] The packaging paper box 1 comprises a card material that can be impregnated with an antimicrobial such as an antimicrobial metal ion. Optionally, at least the inner surface of the packaging paper box 1 is coated with an antistatic material to minimize drug retention. The packaging paper box 1 can also be provided with a plastic material coating, biological / water-based coating or plastic coating or film laminate.

[0057] In this case, the openings 2, 3 are similar so that the openings 2, 3 at either end of the packet carton 1 can form an inlet opening 2 for engagement with the mouthpiece 4 of the metered dose inhaler 5 and an outlet opening 3 for engagement with the mouth of the user 6. However, it is envisaged that openings of different shapes may be provided at opposite ends of the packet carton 1.

[0058] See Figure 6 , it will be noted that each opening 2,3 has parallel straight end edges 60,61 interconnected by curved side edges 62,63. This shape of the openings 2,3 corresponds to the outer contour of the mouthpiece 4 of the metered dose inhaler 5. The periphery of the openings 2,3 is fittedly engaged with the outer surface of the mouthpiece 4 between the inner and outer ends of the mouthpiece 4, thereby forming a seal between the periphery of the openings 2,3 and the mouthpiece 4 to prevent drug leakage when using the packaging carton 1 as a spacer.

[0059] In use, the full metered dose inhaler 5 is supplied in the relevant packaging carton 1 and is fixed in the fully closed packaging carton 1. When it is needed to use, the top closure flap 20 and the bottom closure flap 30 are torn off and discarded. When the top panel 14 or the bottom panel 24 is opened, the metered dose inhaler 5 is removed from the packaging carton 1. The top or bottom panel 14, 24 is then closed again to convert the packaging carton 1 into a spacer for the metered dose inhaler 5, such as Figure 6 Then, the metered dose inhaler 5 is installed at the inlet opening 2, and the mouthpiece 4 of the metered dose inhaler 5 is engaged in the inlet opening 2, as shown. Figure 7 Keep the metered dose inhaler 5 engaged with the inlet opening 2 ( Figure 8), the user 6 then positions the outlet opening 3 at his mouth and operates the actuation button 42 to deliver a metered dose of medicine from the metered dose inhaler 5 through the packaging carton 1, which now acts as a spacer, and into the mouth of the user 6 through the outlet 3. After use, the metered dose inhaler 5 is disengaged from the inlet opening 2 and inserted into the packaging carton 1, where it can be conveniently stored between uses.

[0060] Should be understood that the present invention provides a simple, compact, cheap and sustainable mode to provide the spacer used with metered dose inhaler.When needs are used with metered dose inhaler, packaging carton of the present invention can be easily and quickly converted into spacer, and when metered dose inhaler is empty, packaging carton can easily be easily handled in an environmentally friendly manner.

[0061] See now Fig.11 , it shows the metered dose inhaler packaging carton according to second embodiment of the present invention, is represented by reference numeral 64 usually.Parts similar to the parts described above are assigned identical reference numerals.In this case, the inlet 2 (and outlet 3) with oval periphery 65 is arranged on top panel 14 and bottom panel 24.

[0062] See now Fig.12 , it shows another metered dose inhaler packaging paper box according to the third embodiment of the present invention, is represented by reference numeral 67 usually.Parts similar to the parts described above are assigned identical reference numerals.In this case, inlet opening 2 and outlet opening 3 have circular periphery 68.

[0063] Any suitable material can be used to form storage container, such as card or plastics, such as PET (polyethylene terephthalate) or acetate.Hard card is useful and cheap material especially for forming carton or case, and this carton or case are used to hold metered dose inhaler and form spacer when needed.In alternative arrangement, storage container can be formed by injection molded plastic box with hinged lid.If necessary, this will provide more solid storage container.

[0064] It should be understood that the inlet opening 2 and the outlet opening 3 can be arranged in various panels 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24 and in various arrangements on these panels 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, on opposite panels 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24 or adjacent panels 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24, or even on the same panel 10, 11, 12, 13, 14, 24.

[0065] See now Fig.13, it shows another metered dose inhaler packaging paper box according to the fourth embodiment of the present invention, is represented by reference numeral 80 usually.Parts similar to the parts described above are assigned identical reference numerals.In this case, inlet opening 2 and outlet opening 3 are spaced apart and arranged on the same side panel 12.

[0066] See now Fig.14 , it shows another metered dose inhaler packaging paper box according to the fifth embodiment of the present invention, is represented by reference numeral 90 usually.Parts similar to the parts described above are assigned identical reference numerals.In this case, inlet opening 2 and outlet opening 3 are spaced apart and are arranged on the top of side panel 13 and the bottom of side panel 12 respectively, are positioned at the opposite side of metered dose inhaler packaging paper box 90.

[0067] See now Fig.15 , it shows another metered dose inhaler package carton according to the sixth embodiment of the present invention, is represented by reference numeral 100 usually.Parts similar to the parts described above are assigned identical reference numerals.In this case, inlet opening 2 and outlet opening 3 are spaced apart and are arranged on the top of rear panel 11 and the bottom of front panel 10 respectively, are positioned at the opposite side of metered dose inhaler package carton 100.

[0068] See now Fig.16 , it shows another metered dose inhaler packaging paper box according to the seventh embodiment of the present invention, is represented by reference numeral 110 usually.Parts similar to the parts described above are assigned identical reference numerals.In this case, inlet opening 2 is arranged on the top of side panel 12 and outlet opening 3 is arranged on the bottom of adjacent front panel 10.

[0069] See now Fig.17 , it shows another metered dose inhaler packaging paper box according to the eighth embodiment of the present invention, is represented by reference numeral 120 usually.Parts similar to the parts described above are assigned identical reference numerals.In this case, peel off closure flap 121 and initially cross inlet opening 2 and install, so that inlet opening 2 is initially closed.Peel off flap 121 and can be discarded after initial removal, or it can be peeling off and resealing flap 121.Similar flap 121 can be arranged on outlet opening 3 (not shown) place.

[0070] See now Fig.18, it shows another metered dose inhaler packaging paper box according to the ninth embodiment of the present invention, is represented by reference numeral 130 usually.Parts similar to the parts described above are assigned identical reference numerals.In this case, each in inlet opening 2 and the outlet opening 3 is initially closed by removable closed flap 131, and this closed flap is limited by the weakening line 132 that is formed in top panel 14 and bottom panel 24 by punching or otherwise, and weakening line 132 partially extends through the material of top panel 14 and bottom panel 24 with the shape of inlet opening 2 and outlet opening 3.Before packaging paper box 130 is used as spacer, removable closed flap 131 is pushed out top panel 14 and bottom panel 24 simply, so that inlet opening 2 and outlet opening 3 are exposed.Weakened line 132 can be formed by perforation alternatively, and these perforations allow the user to push out closed flap 131 before use.

[0071] The storage container can be configured in any suitable carton style (with additional or different tabs, flaps, creases, shapes, etc.) or material or molding that uses a primary packaging or carrier packaging concept with two holes and can be used as a portable spacer.

[0072] The terms "comprises" and "includes" and any variations required for grammatical reasons are to be considered interchangeable and to be given the broadest possible interpretation.

[0073] The invention is not limited to the embodiments described above but may be varied in structure and details within the scope of the appended claims.

Claims

1. A metered dose inhaler storage container capable of forming a spacer for the metered dose inhaler, the storage container having a pair of spaced-apart openings in a side wall of the storage container, the pair of spaced-apart openings comprising an inlet opening for receiving an outlet of the metered dose inhaler and an associated outlet opening for engagement by a user's mouth to inhale a medicament discharged from the metered dose inhaler and delivered through the storage container.

2. The storage container according to claim 1, wherein: The storage container comprises a packaging carton or box for receiving and storing the associated metered dose inhaler prior to use by a patient and between uses of the metered dose inhaler.

3. The storage container according to claim 1 or claim 2, wherein: A removable closure is provided at each opening.

4. The storage container according to claim 3, wherein: The removable closure is a flap mounted across the opening.

5. The storage container according to claim 4, wherein: The flap is a tear-off flap.

6. The storage container according to claim 4, wherein: The flap is installed in the opening.

7. The storage container according to claim 6, wherein: The periphery of the flap is connected to the periphery of the opening by a perforated seam.

8. The storage container according to claim 4, wherein: The flap is hingedly mounted on one side of the opening for movement between a closed position extending across the opening and an open position away from the opening.

9. The storage container according to claim 3, wherein: The removable closure is a peel tab.

10. The storage container according to claim 9, wherein: The tab is a peel and reseal tab.

11. A storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The inlet opening is shaped for complementarily receiving and engaging a mouthpiece of the metered dose inhaler within the inlet opening.

12. A storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The storage container is impregnated with an antimicrobial agent.

13. The storage container according to claim 12, wherein: The antimicrobial agent comprises an antimicrobial metal ion.

14. A storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: At least the inner surface of the storage container is coated with an antistatic material to minimize drug retention.

15. A storage container as claimed in any one of the preceding claims, wherein: The storage container has a coating of plastic material.

16. A storage container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15 in combination with an associated metered dose inhaler housed within the storage container.

17. The combination of claim 16, wherein: The opening in the top panel and / or the bottom panel has a perimeter shaped to receive and engage the exterior of the outlet of the metered dose inhaler.

18. A blank for forming a metered dose inhaler storage container as claimed in any one of claims 1 to 15.

19. The blank of claim 18, wherein: The blank comprises a front panel, a rear panel and side panels, the front panel, the rear panel and the side panels being arranged to be connected in a row side by side along side edges, the front panel being connected to the first side panel at one side edge by a first folding line and to one side edge of the second side panel at the other side edge by a second folding line, the opposite side edge of the second side panel being connected to the first side edge of the rear panel by a third folding line, a connector flap protruding outwardly from the second side edge of the rear panel by a fourth folding line, the tape on the face of the connector flap being used to engage with the first side panel, a top panel being hingedly connected to the top edge of the rear panel and a bottom closure flap being connected to the bottom edge of the rear panel, a bottom panel being connected to the bottom edge of the front panel and a top closure flap being connected to the top edge of the front panel.

20. The blank of claim 19, wherein: The panel is rectangular in shape.

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